A Back-to-Basics Guide to India’s New Traffic Rule

Indian roads are among the most notorious in the world as it claims over 1.5 lakh lives each year and most of it is due to people’s lack of traffic sense. The central government previously failed to take the necessary steps however it has decided to crackdown on traffic offenses right now. This, they are doing by making the law and its subsequent punishment a lot more stricter.

To take care of the same, the government tabled the Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill 2016 which was also been approved by the cabinet recently bringing the law into effect. This road safety bill has outlined punishments and penalties for all sorts of traffic violations. The bill is based on recommendations submitted by transport ministers of 18 Indian states.

Loading...

Below is a tabular column that lists out the violation, current fine amount, and previous fine amount for two wheelers:

Traffic Violation & Fine Amount in India in 2018

Violation

New fine amount

Previous fine amount

Overloading Two-wheelers

Rs. 2000; License scrapping for three months

Rs. 100

Drunken Driving

Rs. 10,000

Rs. 2,000

Overspeeding

Rs. 1,000 for LMV; Rs. 2,000 for MMV

Rs. 400

Dangerous Driving

Rs. 5,000

Rs. 1,000

Driving Without Car or Two Wheeler Insurance

Rs. 2,000

Rs. 100

Signal Jumping

Rs. 1000; License scrapping for three months

Rs. 100

Riding Without Helmet

Rs. 1000; License scrapping for three months

Rs. 100

Driving Without Permit

Up to Rs. 10,000

Up to Rs. 5,000

Traffic Rulebook for Two Wheeler Riders:

Here is a rulebook that comes in handy for all two-wheeler riders around the country:

Wear Helmets at all Time:

Irrespective of where you are riding: whether it is on a highway, city, or an inroad near where you live, always make sure to wear a helmet. This doesn’t just save you from getting a fine but will also save your head from sustaining any major injuries. If you are riding with a pillion, make sure they wear their helmet too.

Use Your Indicators:

Indicators of late have become more of a novelty piece on vehicles as people refuse to use them when taking any turns. To be on the safer side, always use the indicators and make sure to move into the lane towards where your turn is.

Do not Take more than a Pillion:

People taking more than one pillion on their two-wheelers is a common sight in most Indian cities and towns. What the riders don’t realise is, by doing so they are risking their and their pillions’ life. This is why you should always stick to riding with just one pillion.

Keep your Eyes on the Road:

Other vehicles on the road usually use signals to indicate that they are taking a turn. So, keep your eyes on the and read the signals right so as to avoid accidents.

Pullover carefully:

In case you want to pullover mid-ride to tend to a phone call or any other matter, always use indicators to move over to the extreme left lane while stopping.

Use your Rearview Mirrors:

It is a rather common sight to see most people switch between lanes rather brashly. Never do that. Instead, use your rear view mirrors and your indicators if you absolutely need to switch lanes.

India is a developing country which is growing on multiple fronts. As responsible citizens, we should also contribute to that image and work towards carrying out our duties by following the basic rules laid out for us.